Heading off to Ducati school

Cool. Maybe you can then tell me how to get the "take bike to service" light off of the dash of my 999. I have to take it to the dealer while in warranty, but after that, it will only be there for tires.

Steve

 

888sp5...very tasty.

As far as the 916-style bikes go, I once thought as you guys did. When the 999 came out I hated it, and thought Ducati had went back 10 years in style. Over time, the idea of one grew on me, but I still liked the 998 better.

Then I bought a 999. In about 10 miles I was converted.

Seriously, if you get the chance to ride one, do it. The engine has power everywhere, and revs quicker than any desmoquattro ever could. It is comfortable, riding my 851 for two hours results in cramps and sore legs, the 916 is even worse. Not so with the 999, you could do some light touring with it. It doesn't overheat in traffic, as every water-cooled Ducati does up to now. With the Termi exhaust and no cats, it sounds decent too (although I've never heard a bike that sounds as good as a race-piped 851/888).

The 748/916/996/998 is a great bike, and will always be desirable. The 999 is equally desirable, but for difference reasons. Ride one any distance and you'll see what I mean.

 

The 749R is nice too. The new swingarm on the '05 is fantastic. Even the lower strada and S models look improved from the '03 & '04.

Not to contradict myself, but for the same money as a 749R, the Ducati dealer in St. Louis has a brand new, never titled, zero miles 851SP3. You could have two SP's! They had a new 999R als0. That bike is unbelievable, although for $30k it better be.

 

There are many schools. Just do a search for motorcycle safety foundation to see where the nearest classes are to you.

Ducati makes several bikes that a beginner could buy and learn on easily. Multistrada 620 is probably the one which pops into my head first, although the Monsters in 600, 620, & 750cc size would be good as well, and pretty cheap (<$5k) on the used market. These bikes also have wet clutches (the clutch plates spin in engine oil vs. air for most Ducatis), they should be able to handle a little more abuse that a new learner will put on them.

Don't believe the stories concerning maintenance and reliability on air-cooled Ducatis. If you own a Ferrari, the maintenance will be a relative pittance compared. Change the oil, check the valves every 6k, change the belts every few years. That is about it, and is very easy even for an average home mechanic.

Make sure you get some safety gear as well including: full-face helmet, leather motorcycle jacket (thin fashion-grade leather will shred instantly on the pavement), & gloves.

Good luck.